Background

This program is delivered by Prime Sci at Deep Creek.

Chemists are scientists who study the tiny particles that make up every material on Earth, as well as the way that materials interact with each other. Students will be introduced to atoms and molecules, and the movement of these particles inside solids, liquids and gases, the three basic states of matter. Investigate water in solid, liquid and gaseous form, with reference to the water cycle. Observe the properties of different states of matter and play with an unusual material. Extend students' knowledge beyond solids, liquids and gases with activities including liquid crystal and plasma states of matter.

The properties of both natural and processed materials are important to chemists and engineers. Plastics are an important material for us to study, with many advantages and disadvantages to their production and use. Find out more about the structure of polymers as well as use and properties of different plastic types. Shrink your own decorated plastic to take home.

Key Learning Question

What are the properties of natural and processed materials?

Learning intentions

In this program students will:

• recognise questions that can be investigated scientifically and undertaking investigations;
• exploration of the properties of natural and processed materials.

Activities:

States of Matter

• exploding rockets
• making ice from air (condensation, freezing)
• oobleck (peculiar matter)
• liquid crystal and plasma states of matter

Plastic Fantastic

• plastic sorting
• polymer structure
• testing plastic properties
• take home activity - shrinking plastic

Victorian Curriculum

• A change of state between solid and liquid can be caused by adding or removing heat (VCSSU059)
• Natural and processed materials have a range of physical properties; these properties can influence their use (VCSSU060)
• With guidance, identify questions in familiar contexts that can be investigated scientifically and predict what might happen based on prior knowledge (VCSIS065)
• Suggest ways to plan and conduct investigations to find answers to questions including consideration of the elements of fair tests (VCSIS066)
• Safely use appropriate materials, tools, equipment and technologies (VCSIS067)
• Compare results with predictions, suggesting possible reasons for findings (VCSIS070)
• Reflect on an investigation, including whether a test was fair or not (VCSIS071)